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Ch 9: Interpersonal Relationships Stages Theories Communication
Ch 9: Interpersonal Relationships
Stages
Theories
Communication
Theories
Attraction
Rules
Relationship dialectics
Social penetration
Social Exchange
Equity
Attraction theory
• Similarity
• Proximity
• Reinforcement
• Attractiveness: Physical & Personality
• Status
• Reciprocity
Major factors influence “Attraction”
Rules Theory
Relationships are governed by rules.
When these are broken, the relationship
experiences deterioration and possible
dissolution.
◦ Friendship
◦ Romantic
◦ Family
Relationship Dialectics theory
In any relationship, there are natural
ongoing tensions within certain areas:
◦ Closedness vs openness
◦ Autonomy vs connection
◦ Novelty vs predictability
Closedness
Openness
Connection
Autonomy
Predictability
Novelty
Social Penetration Theory
As you progress in developing a
relationship, social penetration is likely to
increase.
As intimacy increases, breadth and depth
of conversations increase.
Breadth
Topic two
Topic three
Topic one
Depth
Very personal
Less personal
Not personal
Depth
Intimate
Involvement
Contact
Social Penetration Theory
This theory works in reverse as well.
What does that mean?
Social Exchange
Social Exchange: we develop social
relationships that allow us to maximize
“profit”
◦ Comparison level
◦ Comparison level for alternatives
Equity theory
Similar to Social Exchange
We develop and maintain relationships
that seem “equal” – our ratio of rewards
to costs is equal to the other’s.
Theories
Attraction
Rules
Relationship dialectics
Social penetration
Social Exchange
Equity
